Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

Copyright: 2024 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia

Latest Episodes:

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - September 6, 2025 - Hour 1 - Maintenance Wins: From Class Notes to Real-World Calls - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Sep 06, 2025

Show notes

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor

Three-day shop sprint, ATG misfire class takeaways, and a through-line: maintenance beats repairs. Then calls on when to keep/swap cars, run-flats vs spares, and streetable performance cooling—plus a quick washer-fluid myth-buster.

Chapter Markers

00:00 – Open / Monologue
3-day week grind; ATG class (Edison). Recognition from listeners. Big takeaway: factory schedule as baseline, oil at 5–6k, fluids-by-condition, turbos work harder—maintenance > repair.
07:25 – Case Study – ’15 Dodge Charger (P0128)
Fast diag → thermostat; car shows “minimal maintenance” pitfalls. Cost-per-mile vs deferred work.
11:11 – Tom’s Inspection Story
Full synthetic, 5k intervals; cost-per-month math on real ownership.
13:49 – Mark (Las Vegas) – ’08 Honda CR-V, 241k
Loves simple tech; wary of CVT/turbos. Advice: rent/try newer tech, or keep CR-V and invest (engine/trans if needed) vs $30k+ replacement.
17:25 – Mark (cont.) – What to Buy / Wait?
Shortlist: CR-V, RAV4, Blazer, Escape. Turbos are ubiquitous; hybrids add complexity. Consider waiting as regulations/offerings shift.
23:19 – Mike (CA) – ’14 BMW X5 Tires
Run-flats vs spare. If converting, match rolling diameter & systems; run-flats have pros/cons, roadside realities.
27:00 – Kevin (MA) – ’72 Dart, Holley Sniper & Trans Cooler
Handheld/tuner Q → check Holley; stall-converter heat, separate cooler, plug rad ports; “mild goes wild” on the street—detune for temps.
32:16 – Mailbag – Washer Fluid Colors
Orange vs blue = freeze-point/formulation. Mixing generally OK if bottle allows; unlike oil/coolant/trans fluids.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - August 30, 2025 - Hour 1 - Diagnostics Isn’t a Guess: Go the Distance - (855)560-9900 - 24/7 Hotline Aug 30, 2025

Show notes

Diagnostics Isn’t a Guess: Go the Distance

Ron opens with the truth about diagnostics: commitment, not guessing, gets cars fixed. A stubborn ’06 Acura misfire sets the stage, then real calls highlight trust, process, and the dangers of shortcuts—from a Subaru owner who celebrates his shop, to a Jeep with a rear main leak, a Silverado with a dragging brake, and a Buick Enclave that turned into a parts-cannon case study.

Chapter Markers & Highlights

00:00 – Monologue: The Relationship & The Process

Story of an ’06 Acura with years of failed repairs.
Point: diagnostics require commitment (“go the distance”), not poking and hoping.

12:05 – Micah in Maine: Subaru Legacy

Example of a strong shop–customer relationship.
Rustproofing mishap solved because both shop and supplier worked together.
Lesson: trust and respect pay off.

17:45 – Rocky in Maine: ’92 Jeep Wrangler

Rear main seal leaking after clutch job.
No miracle fixes; check PCV/blowby.
Seal job takes finesse; plan proper repair when practical.

24:45 – Ted in Illinois: ’17 Chevy Silverado

RF brake drags after driving.
Internal hose failure can act like a check valve—sometimes on the other side.
At ~100k miles, replace both front hoses and bleed system.

31:00 – Jacob: ’11 Buick Enclave

Replaced injectors, pumps, cats removed, still bogging/misfiring.
Lesson: stop the parts cannon.
Next steps: restore cats, check manifold vacuum, test injectors properly.

Close – Ron’s Reminder
Mechanics aren’t expensive. They’re priceless—when you let them follow the process.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - August 30, 2025 - Hour2 - Brakes, Transmissions, Driveline Clunks & the Future of Batteries - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Aug 30, 2025

Show notes

Brakes, Transmissions, Driveline Clunks & the Future of Batteries

Description:
From spongy brakes on a 4Runner to a Malibu that won’t stay put in park, Ron takes listener calls on tricky driveline and transmission issues. Then Optima Batteries’ Daryl Brockman joins the show to break down the latest in AGM and lithium technology, Hypercore cold-start performance, and why battery tech is evolving faster than the cars they power.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 – Spongy brakes on a 2004 Toyota 4Runner
06:20 – Malibu transmission rolls in “Park”
11:15 – Tacoma driveline clunk at stops
17:40 – Optima’s Daryl Brockman on AGM & lithium batteries
27:45 – PowerLink system & built-in jumpstart tech
32:45 – Battery safety certifications & takeaways

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - August 23, 2025 - Hour 2 - The EV Future Aug 23, 2025

Show notes

EV Mandates, Appliance Bans & the Hidden Costs of Going Green | The Car Doctor Podcast

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, sits down with energy expert Mark Mills for a wide-ranging discussion on EVs, government mandates, and the future of car ownership. Together, they break down:

Why Washington’s appliance bans mirror EV mandates.
What Germany’s sudden end to EV subsidies really means.
The hidden costs of EV ownership—insurance, repairs, and batteries.
Why trillions in infrastructure may never materialize.
How mining, energy policy, and subsidies shape the real future of electric cars.

From cow methane to insurance companies pulling out of Florida, this episode looks beyond the showroom and into the economics, politics, and realities shaping your next vehicle.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - August 23, 2025 - Hour 1 - Car Buying, Motorhome Repair & Tire Safety - (855)560-9900 Aug 23, 2025

Show notes

Why Cars Cost More Than Just Repairs | The Car Doctor Podcast

From BMW leases to Toyota hybrids, wiring harness nightmares to blown diesel dreams, Ron Ananian takes calls that prove cars are more than machines — they’re a lifestyle choice. In this episode:

Should you buy out that BMW X5 lease or go Toyota RAV4?
Why a Ford E-150’s hidden wiring fault proves experience matters.
The safe choice when an Audi tire takes a sidewall hit.
One Marine’s $11,000 RAM EcoDiesel disaster and why he traded it for a Toyota.

Maintenance, safety, and smart decisions — Ron breaks down what every car owner needs to know before signing the next check.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - August 16, 2025 - Hour 2 - Florida Heat, Maine Winters & A Single Mom’s Daily Grind - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Aug 16, 2025

Show notes

From Florida heat to Maine winters to a single mom’s daily grind—this week’s Car Doctor covers it all. Tom from Lakeland asks if tire pressure should follow the placard or the sidewall in the Florida heat. Paul in Maine is burning through Prius rear brakes, and Ron explains the factory fix every Prius owner should know. Then Alicia from Illinois, with 227k miles on her Ford Escape, wonders if it’s time to repair or replace. Ron delivers practical tips, industry insights, and honest advice that every driver can use.

Keywords: tire pressure tips in hot weather, Toyota Prius rear brake wear, Ford Escape overheating and AC failure, K-Seal head gasket sealer, certified pre-owned car buying advice.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - August 16, 2025 Hour 1 - Louisiana Highways, Texas Repair Shops & Florida Driveways - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Aug 16, 2025

Show notes

From Louisiana highways to Texas garages to Florida driveways—this hour of The Car Doctor covers it all. John from Louisiana reports a blown head gasket on his 2018 Honda Accord 2.0 turbo, part of a growing issue among Honda owners. Ron explains why turbo engines are failing and how to push Honda for support when repairs run into the thousands. An email from Daniel reveals a shop mistake that left his car misfiring after a routine service, highlighting why road tests and customer care are critical. Then Tyler in Texas struggles with a Nissan Frontier throwing P0335 crankshaft sensor codes after an engine rebuild—Ron points to factory bulletins and lab scope diagnostics as the way forward. The hour wraps with Tom in Florida debating Mobil 1 vs. Amsoil oil.

Keywords: Honda Accord head gasket failure, Nissan Frontier P0335, auto repair shop mistakes, lab scope diagnostics, Amsoil vs Mobil 1, Car Doctor podcast.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Call Of The Week - Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Tiffany in Illinois, 2019 Jeep Doors Fall Off Aug 10, 2025

Show notes

Tiffany’s $16,000 Jeep Corrosion Battle | Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Podcast

Description:
Jeep door hinge corrosion, costly repairs, and a year-long fight—Tiffany shares how she finally got Jeep to pay a $16,000 bill. Ron Ananian explains galvanic corrosion, hidden recall risks, and why some Chrysler and Crossfire repairs are so expensive.

Tune in on your local radio affiliate or listen to the complete podcast for more tips, solutions and repair advice.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - August 8, 2025 - Hour 2 - 2019 F350 Shuts Off - (855)560-9900 Aug 09, 2025

Show notes

Ford F-350 Stall Mystery, Jeep Door Hinge Fail & VW Beetle Memories | The Car Doctor Podcast

In this episode of Ron Ananian The Car Doctor, Ron digs into a puzzling Ford F-350 stall problem that mimics a fuel delivery issue despite holding steady fuel pressure. Learn his diesel truck troubleshooting approach, from checking PCM relay pins to comparing injector pulse width with MAP sensor readings, and why capturing data during failure is the key to solving intermittent stalling.

Next, caller Tiffany recounts her battle with Jeep door hinge corrosion—a defect that cost $16,000 to repair but was finally covered after a year of persistence. She also shares the challenges of sourcing parts for a Chrysler Crossfire key fob and explains why her VW Beetle restoration project, a 1972 convertible, is still her favorite car.

Ron wraps the hour discussing oil change mistakes to avoid—including why drawing oil through the dipstick can leave sludge behind—and offers transmission service tips on when and why to drop the pan instead of relying solely on a fluid exchange.

Packed with mechanic shop stories, car troubleshooting tips, and real-world repair strategies, this episode delivers practical advice for both do-it-yourselfers and anyone navigating dealership repairs.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - August 8, 2025 - Hour 1 - Problems Are Like Grapes In A Repair Shop - (855)560-9900 Aug 09, 2025

Show notes

When Bad Car Repair Days Come in Bunches | The Car Doctor Podcast

Some days in the auto repair shop feel like “grape days” — problems arrive in bunches, and every job fights you. In this episode of Ron Ananian The Car Doctor, Ron shares real mechanic shop stories from one such day.

It starts with a Ford Escape turbo repair—a pricey vacuum line assembly tied to a rare fault code that turned into hours of labor. Then, two Hondas roll in with comeback potential: a Honda CR-V no start caused by a worn ignition switch, and a Honda Odyssey AC problem that turned out to be more about temperature settings than refrigerant.

Listeners also call in with their own challenges. One Lexus owner fights brake squeal after an aftermarket pad and rotor install, while a classic car restoration enthusiast seeks Dodge Dart tire fitment advice after a Dana rear-end swap.

Packed with car troubleshooting tips, repair shop insights, and practical fixes you can use, this episode proves even bad days in the shop can lead to solutions — and sometimes, a good laugh.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected